Weekly Round-Up - Week Ending in 2/8/2013

Top News

“Nutrition Facts Label: 20 and Evolving”

If you’re like most consumers, the rectangular-shaped food labels on the back of your cereal box or other food item can be tough to decipher, confusing and sometimes downright misleading. In honor of the current nutrition label’s 20th birthday (which happened last Tuesday), the FDA has announced that it intends to set new standards to make the labels easier to understand for consumers. What changes are they proposing? Read on.

Talk around the possibility of New York Gov. Chris Christie’s bid for the 2016 presidency is growing, but people worry that his obesity could be a problem if he enters into the election. Chris Christie jokes about his weight often, but assures the American people that he has a plan to combat it. What is that plan? That remains to be seen.

Articles

“Small changes, big diet dividends”

If you’re a young person who thinks you will have a longer lifespan than your parents, think again. Sugary drinks, high levels of sodium and high-calorie food is increasing the likelihood that the youth of our generation will get Type II diabetes, heart disease and other health factors, which scientists say will likely lead to shorter lifespans. This is major public health issue may also lead to drastic increases in health care costs, but small things like giving your kids water instead of juice or soda, eating more vegetables and knowing your family’s risk factors can help.

“Soft drink addict loses all his teeth at the age of 25”
By: Callie Watson

You may be well aware of the health dangers associated with drinking soda, including (but certainly not limited to) high sugar intake, obesity, high blood pressure and more, but are you also aware that drinking too many may cause your teeth to rot? That’s what happened to 25-year-old William Kennewell, whose daily 6-8 liter consumption of soda caused his teeth to fall right out of his head.

Blog Posts

“Do You Know Nutrition: Timeless Foods”
By: Phylis Canion

Some foods just shouldn’t be eaten together. For example, eating citrus juice with bread makes it tough for the tummy to digest them properly. Other foods that shouldn’t be eaten together include certain proteins and carbohydrates, for some fascinating reasons.

Do you think skipping the warm-up won’t make a difference? Or perhaps you feel like all you need to do is focus on cardio? These are some of the common misconceptions people have about working out. Check out these and other common workout mistakes, and learn how to avoid them.

When it comes to finding motivational quotes and posters, this blog really sums up some excellent motivational sayings to remember. If you’re still having trouble mustering up the energy for that Sunday workout, take a look here!

Sometimes, it’s just nice to read about someone else’s life and the struggles they go throug to better themselves - you may find that there’s no better motivation (and inspiration) than reading about someone else’s efforts to really strive towards improving your own.

Healthy recipes that are actually good can be tough to come by. That’s why this post is so great. On top of the very personal touch, it shares a yummy recipe that you can cook for Sunday dinner (or whenever you have time). Enjoy!

Studies

“Vegetarian Diet May Reduce Risk of Heart Disease”

A new study published this week in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that vegetarians have almost one-third less of a risk of getting heart disease than the rest of the population. Pretty fascinating, although less surprising since an all-vegetable diet decreases the likelihood a person will consume unhealthy, fatty meats that are often associated with heart disease.

A controversial study published earlier this week in JAMA Internal Medicine linked excessive intakes of multivitamins and supplements with a 20% increase in the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease for men. However, the Council for Responsible Nutrition cautions that this study fudges the facts and that the data is being interpreted differently from it was originally intended for.

If you’re heading to the bar with friends, you may have every intention of cutting out some calories by opting to mix your drinks with diet soda, rather than regular soda. But a study published in the journal Alcoholism revealed that mixing drinks with diet soda makes them more potent, and can therefore cause you to get drunker more quickly. Researchers say that the stronger effects of the alcohol is more harmful to your body than the added sugar found in regular soda.

Everyone know that regular exercise has major health benefits, including healthy weight, reduced risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues and more, but a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that being more physically fit in your mid-life can drastically reduce your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's later in life - by up to 40 percent. Even more incentive to get off the couch and go for a daily walk or sign up for a gym membership.

Caitlin is a journalist by trade and an avid runner. She is passionate about maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and encouraging people to engage in common-sense eating. Caitlin believes a well-rounded life is all about balancing fitness with nutrition that incorporates all aspects of food and proper portion-sizes.